Nursing home neglect happens when residents suffer from improper care that results in illness, physical harm, or even death. Nursing home abuse and neglect may be violent or less obvious, but the dangers are still present. As our nursing home neglect lawyer in Gurnee has seen in previous cases, senior residents can suffer greatly when their care is not adequate.
Some staff members may be outright abusive and inflict harm that causes physical and mental anguish. If you suspect that mistreatment is happening to your loved one while living in a nursing home, we urge you to contact the Gurnee personal injury lawyers at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. today. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients.
Why You Need a Gurnee Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
Before you brush aside your concerns, set up a free consultation with our legal team. When you contact our firm, we can begin to investigate, gather information, and help you determine if neglect is occurring. You need an attorney for several reasons:
- You may not know what your rights are in pursuing additional information and evidence. We know what we can ask for from the nursing home and what their legal duties are.
- Insurance companies representing these nursing homes act fast. They may take steps to falsify documentation. Sometimes they may even pressure your loved one not to say anything.
- This is a sensitive topic, and sometimes the victims of neglect are too embarrassed to offer insight. We can help you seek answers and solutions.
Our Gurnee nursing home neglect lawyer is your loved one’s advocate. Contact us to discuss your case, and be sure to review our FAQs for more information.
Examples of Neglect
Nursing home neglect is a type of abuse that is committed against residents who live in assisted living, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities. Negligence entails poor care or a breach of the duty that caregivers have to attend to residents reasonably and attentively.
Nursing home neglect may not be as aggressive as abuse, but it can still be harmful and have negative effects on the resident’s health. Victims of nursing home abuse are wise to take immediate action so that no further incidents occur. As our dedicated nursing home neglect attorney explains, examples of neglect include:
- Ignoring a resident’s illnesses or injuries (infections, bedsores, etc.)
- Failing to contact a doctor or nurse for medical attention when needed
- Leaving a resident with mobility challenges in their room for prolonged periods of time
- Neglecting to help a resident bathe, change their clothes, or bedding regularly
- Not providing enough food or water, which leads to nutritional deficiencies
Neglect of any type is uncalled for and, even if they have one, there are no legitimate excuses for it. If you feel that your loved one was neglected, contact our Gurnee nursing home neglect lawyer immediately for support.
Signs of Neglect in a Lack of Personal Hygiene
If you visit your loved one in a nursing home and notice poor hygiene, it may be due to caregivers failing to assist them with bathing and other personal care tasks. Neglect of personal hygiene can include failing to wash laundry, allowing residents to go without baths, not providing dental care, and not changing diapers for those who wear diapers.
Senior residents who are neglected may appear dirty and wear soiled clothes. Other signs of neglect are listed as follows:
- Psychological issues
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Sudden weight loss
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Lack of enough staffing
- Emotional outbursts
- Rocking or soothing behaviors
- Withdrawing from visitors
If you notice any of these signs, report them to the supervisor on staff, the local department of health, and then contact our team. If your loved one is at risk in any way and you feel their life is on the line, you can call 911 to request help.
Why Choose the Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.
Nobody deserves to be neglected while living out their remaining years. Those who reside in a nursing home or other care facility should be taken care of and have their needs met. If you believe that your loved one is being abused, neglected, or otherwise mistreated, then we suggest speaking with our team as soon as possible.
It is imperative that swift action is taken so that no further incidents of abuse or neglect occur. Family members of nursing home residents are encouraged to visit their loved one frequently, be involved in their medical care, and stay alert to signs of mistreatment.
If you have any concerns about this, please reach out to our team at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. today. Our team will begin investigating your case and building a claim immediately. We get justice for your loved one. Our client testimonials show how we care for our clients.
Reasons for Nursing Home Neglect
When we entrust a nursing home with the care of a loved one, we expect the highest level of compassion, professionalism, and attention to their needs. Sadly, not all facilities uphold these standards, and some may even be guilty of neglect.
Nursing home neglect can occur in a variety of settings, from underfunded institutions to facilities with poor staff management. Recognizing the signs of neglect and understanding the types of nursing homes where it may be more likely to occur can help families protect their loved ones.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we are dedicated to supporting families in Gurnee who suspect their loved ones may be experiencing neglect. Take a look at some examples of cases we handle, based on the excuses and claims nursing homes make that lead to these types of poor outcomes.
Understaffed Nursing Homes
One of the primary factors contributing to nursing home neglect is understaffing. Facilities with inadequate staff numbers may struggle to provide consistent, quality care to each resident.
When there are not enough caregivers to meet residents’ needs, issues such as missed meals, skipped medications, or lack of assistance with personal hygiene can arise. Understaffed facilities often result in overworked, stressed caregivers, which may reduce the level of attention they provide to each resident.
In cases where a loved one is suffering due to neglect in an understaffed nursing home, consulting a lawyer can help families understand their legal options. Not having enough help does not give the nursing home an excuse to neglect your loved one. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain staffing levels or contact the state for immediate help.
Poorly Managed Facilities
Management plays a crucial role in maintaining standards within nursing homes. Facilities with poor management often have disorganized operations, lack clear procedures, and inadequate oversight of staff. These issues can contribute to neglectful practices, especially if caregivers are not held accountable for their actions.
Without effective management, staff may fail to adhere to protocols for medication administration, emergency procedures, or daily care routines. Families who notice a lack of order or visible signs of mismanagement within a nursing home may have reason to be concerned about their loved one’s safety and well-being.
It can be hard for victims and their families to know what these rules are. For that reason, we encourage you to contact us to discuss what you see and experience. Then, we can gather data and use our industry experts to help validate the concerns you have. Gather any evidence you can and then call us.
Nursing Homes With High Staff Turnover
Facilities with high staff turnover rates may struggle to provide consistent care to residents. Constant changes in staff can lead to a lack of continuity in care and make it difficult for residents to establish trusting relationships with caregivers.
Inconsistent staffing can also increase the risk of neglect, as new or temporary staff may not be familiar with each resident’s specific needs. Families should be mindful of high turnover rates, as they can indicate underlying issues with the facility’s working conditions or management.
Having a high staff turnover does not automatically mean the nursing home is providing poor care. However, it may be an early warning sign that there is a need to monitor your loved one’s care. Show up at odd times and ask your loved ones questions to find out if you are receiving fair treatment.
See These Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Act Immediately
Regardless of the type of nursing home, neglect may manifest in various ways, and families should remain vigilant for warning signs. Physical signs such as:
- Bedsores
- Unexplained injuries
- Poor hygiene may indicate a lack of proper care
- Emotional signs, such as sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal, or depression, can also point to neglect
Any of these signs should be taken seriously, and families should consider consulting a nursing home neglect attorney in Gurnee to discuss their concerns and assess the next steps.
Seeking Legal Support for Nursing Home Neglect
If you suspect that a loved one may be experiencing neglect in a nursing home, it’s important to know that legal help is available. Addressing these issues can not only improve conditions for your loved one but may also prevent similar experiences for other residents.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we are dedicated to assisting families in Gurnee who are facing this difficult situation. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable Gurnee nursing home neglect attorney who can help you explore your options and work toward justice and a safer environment for your loved one.
